The Mascara Diaries: Vol. 3

Sometimes the best shows are not performed on the stage, but instead in your makeup bag, as is the case with Dior DiorShow Mascara.

Pros: There are an infinite number of positive points to this multi-tasking wonder product! It lengthens, volumizes, and holds curl better than any mascara I've yet wrapped around my zealous fingers. For anyone who loves a beautiful set of rich lashes but breaks out in hives at the idea of falsies, this is your answer. The effect is supernaturally fake (and I mean that in the best way possible,) and the result is wonderfully Old-Hollywood, with enough drama to run its own Broadway show.

Cons: Remarkably this mascara has very little disagreeable aspects to it. The only slightly annoying characteristic is that it can take a bit of scrubbing and a good makeup remover to remove, which is somewhat of a positive because it is incredibly long-lasting.

Conclusion: One of the best mascaras in the biz, and a definite must-have for all lash freaks. Beauty editors and makeup addicts agree, this is like the little black dress of mascaras, an immediate go-to when you want to look fabulous and flirty, yet edgy and dramatic.

The Mascara Diaries: Vol. 2

Is there a mascara out there that can give you beautiful lashes without looking as if you have obvious black paint on them? There is with Blinc Kiss Me Mascara, which I finally tried after reading many reviews and testimonials, and finally plunked down some dough after I couldn't stand hearing another word of praise and buzz.

Pros: The exclusive formula forms tubes around the lashes that only come off with both water and pressure. That means that even if you swim, cry, or rub your eyes, this mascara will stay put. Not only that, but it also is very gentle (a rare find for such a long-lasting formula) and an ideal choice for those with sensitive eyes. When applied correctly, the definition is very natural, almost as if you are gifted with naturally plump eyelashes!

Cons: For you drama addicts out there (you know who you are,) this might not be the right mascara for you. Because the definition is so subtle, the formula might not have enough impact to satisfy a preference for rich, inky color. Because I was going for the natural look, I tried the dark brown shade, so the black might provide more richness, but probably not enough to fake full-on-falsies.

Conclusion: A true mascara for naturally beautiful-looking lashes. Not only an ideal choice for the unfussy or athletic, but also a great basic and low-maintenance mascara for everyday wear.

The Mascara Diaries: Vol. 1

I am a little obsessive when it comes to mascara. My perfect mascara would lengthen, curl, volumize, separate, and add definition all while not clumping. I am still on the hunt, which is why I have dedicated a new series of posts to reviewing the newest and most hyped-about mascaras, from drugstore to department store brands. I am very excited to report my findings and to help you find the mascara that is right for you!

The first mascara in this installment is The New Max Factor Volume Couture Mascara. I have heard a lot about this mascara from various other bloggers, and most have been very complementary reviews. The hype behind this mascara is that it was the official mascara used for Milan's Spring Fashion Week. It also has an exclusive iFX brush with micro-channels to deliver color with less clumps.

After reading all of these rave reviews, I had to try it. I ended up spending the whole weekend in search of it, for it seems almost no retailers carry MAX Factor anymore. I finally found it, and couldn't wait to use it.

Pros: The brush is very advanced, with tiny spikes that easily coat every eyelash. The application was pretty simple (considering I had applied it in the car.) This is the perfect mascara if you want rich, black, highly-pigmented lashes. You can actually feel your lashes on your brow bone when you gaze up!

Cons: The lashes tend to feel a little heavy after application, so this wouldn't be a good choice if you don't like the feel of mascara. Since this mascara is focused on volume, there is not very much in the lengthening department. I would recommend curling your eyelashes before applying to get a little extra lift. I also had to scavenge for this mascara and finally found it at Meijer, so if you are not interested in a hunt, than this might not be the mascara for you.

Conclusion: I thought this was an excellent mascara for the price (about $7.) I will definitely use this in order to create that rich, faux-lash look. This is a specialty mascara, created for couture volume, so this might not be the best mascara if you are looking for natural definition. But I did feel a little like a 40's screen goddess while wearing this mascara, madly flitting her dark fringe at every wink.

Find your nearest retailer at http://maxfactor.com/user/get/where_to_buy.do